Secrets of Islam
INTRODUCTION
Understanding Islam
1.2 billion believers deserve our attention.
Map: Islam's Global Reach
Though centered in the Middle East and North Africa, Muslim believers are found worldwide.
Glossary
A brief guide to the terms critical to comprehending the elements vital to the Muslim faith.
FAITH
No God But God
What do Muslims believe? Here are the myths and the facts.
Muhammad: The Last Prophet
An Arabian orphan became an unlikely messenger of God.
Answering the Call, Five Times a Day
Prayer is a daily requirement practiced by Muslims.
Faith and Charity
Muslims are taught to help others by spreading God's wealth.
The Annual Fast
During the month of Ramadan, believers gain strength by doing without.
The Holy Book
The Koran contains words for living a righteous life.
In the War Over Words
A scholar tests the spirit against the letter of Islamic law.
The Hajj: Journey of a Lifetime
The pilgrimage to Mecca is dangerous but exhilarating.
IN AMERICA
First Person: Saif Ur Rahman Qargha
"I was not tempted to fit in with American kids."
First Person: Sumaiya Hamdani
"American society is still conditioned by race politics."
HISTORY
A Mighty Empire and How It Grew
For five centuries, Muslims dominated the world.
Timeline of Islam
Fifteen centuries of history have spread the faith worldwide.
The Glory That Was Baghdad
The city flourished while Europe suffered through the Middle Ages.
Alhambra, Ornament of the World
The romance of Muslim Spain was short-lived.
The First Holy War
The truth about the epic clash between east and west.
Map: Routes of the Crusaders
Paths traveled by land and sea led European conquerors to war in the Holy land.
A Legacy of Beauty
Islam has nourished a rich tradition in the decorative arts.
CONFLICT
Sowing the Seeds of Hatred
Why did so many Muslims seem to celebrate 9/11?
The Fountain of Saudi Arabian Culture
Strict and intolerant, the Wahhabist strain of Islam is a potent force.
Lifting the Veil
Can women's rights coexist with the tenets of Islamic law?
Sunnis and Shiites: Behind the Split
Many say Washington's view of Shiism is outmoded.
Across Europe, a New Culture Clash
A gulf widens between Muslims and those of other faiths.
The War Within Islam
Much hinges on which interpretation of the faith will prevail.
(ROUF BHAT—AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
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